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2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

All-new 600-plus hp Hemi most powerful V-8 Chrysler has built

Eric Kaminsky - May 20, 2014 11:30 AM

Chrsyler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC

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Dodge will unleash the most powerful Challenger SRT this fall when it debuts the all-new 600-plus horsepower Hemi Hellcat V-8. The supercharged 6.2-liter engine will be in the totally redesigned muscle car, and joins the Challenger SRT with a standard 392 Hemi and the Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, which debuted at the New York Auto Show.

When equipped with the Hellcat V-8, the Challenger SRT will have available a segment-first eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, new Pirelli tires with exclusive Y-Plus rated four-season tires riding on forged aluminum wheels found only on SRT models. Stopping will be provided by the largest front brake package ever offered by Chrysler as standard equipment. Inside, a driver focused cockpit combines style, premium materials, state-of-the-art technology, and world-class craftsmanship.

“The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the ultimate performance muscle car,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Dodge is the Mainstream Performance brand, and now combined with SRT, we are able to unleash a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior and the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission combined with the most powerful V-8 Chrysler has ever produced. The Challenger Hellcat has been released!”

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupes will be built at the Brampton (Ontario) Assembly plant. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014.

First use of supercharging

The HEMI Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology.

The engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The crankshaft can withstand firing pressures of 1,595 psi. Its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm. High-strength, forged-alloy pistons are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins. The new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 has premium-grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads that are optimized for superior thermal conductivity The die-cast aluminum rocker covers are HEMI Orange.

In addition to the supercharged HEMI V-8 in the Challenger SRT Hellcat, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT model also gets a power boost with upgrades to the 392 HEMI V-8. Horsepower climbs to 485 from 470, while peak torque jumps to 475 lbs-ft from 470 lbs-ft. The 392 also can be mated with a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic or the proven six-speed manual transmission.

Selecting the driving experience

On the road or on the track, Challenger SRT owners can personalize their driving experience by using the all-new Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering (Challenger SRT only), paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings. The Drive Mode feature is controlled through the Uconnect system.

Standard wheels on the Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine are new SRT-exclusive “Slingshot” split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with a matte black finish; available on the SRT 392 as part of the SRT Track Pack. New P275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Nero tires (front and rear) provide all-season traction while the newest tire technology from Pirelli includes the class exclusive four-season tire that is Y-Plus rated to handle the extreme speeds. Pirelli P Zero tires are available for three-season performance driving.

Stopping power

Standard on the 2015 Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine is the largest front-brake package ever offered in an SRT vehicle, featuring all-new 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers. This upgraded high-performance brake package is available on the 392 HEMI SRT model as part of the SRT Track Pack.

New anti-lock braking system (ABS), ESC and traction control systems are uniquely tuned and configurable for specific tire and powertrain configurations.

Exterior redesigned

The new exterior look is the result of extended wind tunnel testing, which results in more aerodynamic performance no matter how the car is driven. The front fascia has been updated and the aluminum hood features a power bulge with a dedicated cold air intake, and dual air extractors to remove heat and reduce turbulence in the engine bay. Found only on the Hellcat SRT is an air catcher inlet port, which feeds ram-air directly into the engine air box through the driver-side parking lamp.

Up front, there are all-new quad projector headlamps. Integrated projector fog lamps on the Challenger 392 SRT are pushed to the lower corners to help accentuate the car’s width while illuminating the road. A new duck-bill fascia splitter helps improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine features a larger front splitter designed for optimal downforce to minimize lift.

From the side, the signature muscular proportions and large thruster rear quarter panels are retained, while fender and belt lines tie together at the front and rear of the car to create a sleeker appearance. Differentiating the Challenger SRT Hellcat from the rest of the Challenger line-up are its “SUPERCHARGED” fender badges. Black sills accentuate the proportions of the muscle coupe and have been tuned in the wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics.

In the rear, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT recalls the historic 1971 model’s styling with a new split taillamp design with its signature LED graphic and rear fascia. A redesigned rear valance helps the 2015 Challenger SRT models look more planted on the ground, and a unique, taller rear spoiler on the SRT Hellcat features a raised SRT logo.

Race-inspired interiors

Inside, there is an all-new enthusiast-centric cockpit with world-class materials, execution and technology. Key elements are inspired by the interior of the 1971 Challenger.

The all-new instrument panel features a stamped aluminum bezel, with a seven-inch driver-selectable driver information display (DID) screen centered in the gauge cluster. The screen is flanked by new analog speedometer and tachometer gauges, reminiscent of the “tic-toc-tach” gauges from the 1971 Challenger. For the Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine, the fixed gauges and digital graphics are finished in a Dark Radar Red tone.

The dashboard’s center stack neatly houses the new standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. New for 2015, drivers can select one of the many offered backgrounds to connect the digital look and feel with their chosen interior package.

A new, trapezoidal shaped stamped aluminum center console provides Challenger SRT’s interior with a fresh look. The aluminum trim gets one of two finishes, “Hectic Mesh” for the Challenger 392 SRT and “Dark Engine Turn” for the Challenger SRT Hellcat. The console features leather-wrapped surfaces and French-seamed accents, and button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. An all-new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and audio jack can be found inside the center console armrest.

Buyers choosing the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission will get an all-new and class-exclusive electronic shifter with an driver-oriented T-handle, which has an Auto Stick selector gate for added control. For those desiring to shift for themselves, a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission fitted with a throwback ball shifter is available.

Seats have been redesigned with improved cushioning, and new for 2015, front seats come standard heated and ventilated. Challenger SRT offers performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. The seats can be covered in Nappa leather/Alcantara material with embroidered SRT logos. Laguna premium leather, colored either sepia or black with embossed SRT logos, is available as part of an equipment package.